MODULE # 7

Course Code : GEC5

Course Title : Purposive Communication
Place of the Course in the Program : General Education

COMMUNICATION FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES

Introduction

There are many times that we have been asked to report a topic in class. There are many
times also that we failed to covey the information clearly. Definitely, we lack some of the good
qualities for effective communication. We are not good communicators unlike others who are.
As students, and even as professionals, we are speaking to inform people. We may be asked to
describe an event/object, explain a concept or idea, and show how things work and influence
attitudes or actions of the audience. There are almost infinite situations and topics that we can
talk about to inform others.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the different purposes and types of speeches.

2. Evaluate an informative speech.
3. Explain the types of persuasive speech
4. Cite the advantages and disadvantages of an impromptu speech.
5. Organize effective functional speeches.

Discussion

The Informative Speech

Informative speech as the term implies, is a type of speech that aims to inform the
audience and not to advocate a cause or influence people to act and think as you want them to be.
The information that you will convey will be judged based on accuracy, completeness, clarity,
and meaningfulness.
Types of Informative Speech

1. Speech about objects

Objects refers to something that is visible, tangible, and stable in form that can be
experienced through physical senses. Objects can be living or non-living. Speech
organization about objects can be chronological, spatial, or topical.

Here are some examples of speeches about objects:

 Turbo Double Frying Pan
 3D glasses
 Globe at Home Prepaid Wi-Fi
 Light Rail Transit
 A Syringe

2. Speech about processes

Process refers to sequence of actions or steps that lead to a specific product or

income. Process may involve people – people interacting with machines, and forces of
nature. Your goal in this type of speech is for the audience to understand and/or perform
the process. Generally, you need to have the following elements when delivering this
speech: input (materials), tools or forces (operate on the inputs), sequence of steps from
start to finish, output or product, and skills (Bovee, 2003)

Speech organization about processes is chronological. You can apply the

following tips when delivering a speech about processes:
1. Give an overview about the whole process.
2. Subgroup complicated processes for better comprehension. Makes sure
that subgrouping is logically arranged. For example, when demonstrating
how to cook Italian spaghetti, you may group the procedure according to
the ingredients and materials needed, actual cooking and garnishing.
3. Review frequently to ensure that the audience are still with you.
4. Summarize the procedure.
5. Use visual aids.

Here are some examples of speeches about processes:

 How a tornado develops
 How papaya soap is made
 How to play the piano
 How to cook adobo
3. Speech about people

Speech about people is like speech about objects- except of course, they should be
represented as human beings. This type of speech allows the speaker to describe how
people look like, how they act, how they deal with life, and the like.

Here are some examples of speeches about people:

 The Sacrifices of Mother Theresa
 The Legacy of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
 President Rodrigo Duterte: The Road to the Malacañang Palace

4. Speech about events

An event refers to anything that happens or is happening. Speech Organization

about events can be by chronology, by cause-effect, or by category. It must be subdivided
consistently and logically. Here are some examples of speeches about events:
 Miss Universe 2021
 Recent Philippine Elections
 National SCUAA

5. Speech about issues

An issue refers to appoint or matter of discussion, dispute, and public concern. To

clarify such an issue, a speech may be delivered. The following are some of the issues
that can be discussed for better understanding:
 Truancy among students
 Professional Conflicts
 Sexual Harassment
 Corruption in the Philippines

6. Speech about concepts

A concept refers to beliefs, theories, principles, and ideas. One characteristic of a

concept is its abstract state. A speech about concepts can be arranged by topics or by
comparison and contrast. Here are some examples of speeches about concepts:
 Feminism
 Financial Freedom
 Capitalism
 Leadership
Ways in Organizing Informative Speech

Chronological

If you intend to describe a process or discuss changes and developments, consider using
the chronological arrangement which involves sequencing of events or steps. The topics that may
need this approach are the following:
 How to print a document from computer
 How to cook spaghetti
 Life of Oprah Winfrey

Spatial

If you need to organize your speech according to physical space and relationships
between and among locations, consider using a spatial arrangement which allows the audience to
visualize locations, appearance, distances and arrangement of objects. The topics that may need
this approach are following:
 Asia’s best tourist spots
 Describing a newly built condominium
 Different regions in the Philippines

Categorical or Topical

If you intend to show the audience the classifications of subjects, consider using this
approach which allows the audience to see how the subject is divided into subgroups or
subtopics. Though this approach is very flexible, it may also bore the audience because of the
absence of actions. The topics that may need this approach are the following:
 Types of learners
 Different branches of science
 Body systems (i.e. circulatory, digestive, respiratory)

Cause and Effect

If you intend to show reasons why a phenomenon occurred and/or what the outcomes are,
consider using the cause-and-effect approach. It allows the audience to see the casual
relationship of events. The topic that may need this approach are the following:
 Dangers of alcohol drinking
 Dangers of smoking
 Cause and effects of abortion
Comparison and Contrast

If you intend to show the differences and similarities of an event, place, person, things,
and other concepts and objects, consider using comparison and contrast approach. It helps the
audience choose between two items being compared. The topics that may need this approach are
the following:
 Mobile phone vs. Landline
 Where to spend a vacation: Singapore or Hongkong?
 A comparison and contrast between Globe and Smart

The Persuasive Speech

Persuasive Speech has the primary purpose of influencing the attitudes or actions of the
audience. It is different from informative speech in many ways as shown in the following table
(Osborn and Osborn, 2006)

Informative Speech Persuasive Speech

Present options Pushes for a choice among options

Speaker acts as the teacher Speaker acts as the teacher

Uses supporting materials to enlighten the Uses supporting materials to justify advice
audience
Asks for little audience commitment Ask for strong audience commitment

Speaker’s credibility is relevant Speaker’s credibility is more important

Fewer appeals to emotions Strong appeals to emotions

High ethical obligation Higher ethical obligation

Four Types of Persuasive Speech

1. Speech to Convince

In this type of speech, no direct action is needed from the audience. Its focus is to change
attitude and perception. For example, when a president of one country asks or persuades you to
believe that there are fewer incidence of corruption in the government, he is delivering a speech
to convince.
 2. Speech to Actuate
In this type if speech, an action is needed from the audience. A good example of
speeches to actuate are those of the sales agents convincing you to buy their products so
or politicians who ask your vote during elections.

3. Speech to Inspire
In this type of speech, the audience usually share the same beliefs and thoughts
with the speaker. Its purpose is to make the audience more enthusiastic on something. An
example of this is when a team leader motivates her/his members to never give up and
continue on doing their job no matter how hard it is. Speaking during commencement
exercises, award ceremonies, and tribute have the purpose to inspire the audience.

4. Debates and Public Argumentation

In this type of speech, two groups of people or two individuals discuss a certain
proposition; one is “for’ and the other one is “against’. This can also be in a form of a
meeting or panel with members giving their own points of view.

Tips in Dealing with a Reluctant Audience or a “Tough Crowd”

1. Establish goodwill early in your speech.

2. Begin with points of agreement.
3. Make good eye contact but not aggressive.
4. Speak with conviction.
5. Emphasize positive motives and emotions, such as fairness, safety, sympathy, love,
ambition, respect and patriotism.
6. Give emphasis on explanation rather than being argumentative.
7. Mention experts and authorities that the audience respects.
8. Do not push your audience to believe in all of your arguments.
9. Compare your views with others but make sure your comparison is favorable on your
side.
10. Anticipate possible questions from the audience and then supply perspective of your
listener’s value.
11. Never threaten the values of the audience instead, reason out on the perspective of
your listener’s values.
12. Demonstrate a clear and specific plan of action.
13. Be enthusiastic and sincere.

Suggested References
Bosworth, P. (2019, The power of communication in the workplace. Retrieved March 8,
2019 from https:// leadershipchoice.com/power-good-communication-workplace

Montano Harmon, M. R. Developing Skills for Academic Purposes, California State

University, Fullerton

Badua, Fredis Winda F., Biscocho, Alma l. et al, (2019) Purposive Communication in the
21st Century, St. Andrews Publishing, Plaridel Bulacan

Barut, Jessie S. (2011) “Speak Successfully, A Guide for Effective Speaking for College
Students, Rex Bookstore Sampaloc Manila

Flores, Carmelita S., Lopez, Evelyn B. (2008) Effective Speech Communication,

National Book Store, Manila